Former Pittsburgh Pirates coach Tommy Sandt has passed away.
Greg Brown, the voice of the Pirates, made the announcement on Twitter Tuesday.
Sandt was part of manager Jim Leyland’s coaching staff for 10 years in Pittsburgh, coaching first base beginning in 1987. and was part of the three division championships in a row 1990-1992.
Sandt is also remembered by longtime Pirates fans for his big bushy mustache.
Sandt then moved with Leyland to the Florida Marlins where they won a championship in 1997.
He also coached a year in Colorado, before returning to Pittsburgh from 2000 through 2002 as a special instructor.
Sandt spent his first five years coaching in the Pirates farm system, coaching in Buffalo, NY, Lynn, MA and Honolulu, HI.
Sandt played in 42 games in the Major Leagues with Oakland between 1975-46.
Brown called Sandt a “great friend & mentor.”
“He was a brilliant baseball man & as humble as they come. Love u, Tommy.”
Sandt was also part of the infamous stealing of first base by then Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon
Sandt was 69.
